Possible low power steering assist fix

[TDRadmin]

Link to Original Thread

This is a copy of another informative thread. To follow the original thread, chick here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html



Robin

TDR Admin

 

[Mopower71]

I know this post is old, but, I need help.
I replaced the steering box on my 2001 3500 dually ctd. Since then the power steering is very hard, and moans/whines. At a stop i can't turn the wheel much at all.
I figured that I would try what was posted here, figuring I kicked something loose and it plugged the screen in the pump. Took out the fitting and replaced the valve with the screen on the end with a new clean one. That didn't help.
Took it back off, drilled the main fitting out to 5/32, not much of an increase in size,maybe .004. I also starched the big spring out to 2 1/4". No change.
Took main fitting off and increased the hole another 1/64 to 11/64". Reassembled, same problem.
Watching the pressure hoses for the ps to the box they move quite a bit.
Is it possible there is something wrong with the reman box I put in? Something I failed to do when I put the box in? Is there some valve that has to be set inside the box for the end points and I screwed up when I put it in?
Help.
Thanks
Norm

 

[petersonj]

Why did you replace the steering gearbox? Was the power steering pump quiet and operating normally before you replaced the steering gearbox?

When you installed the remanufactured steering gearbox, did you double check for any foreign material in the port connections. Is the brake booster functioning normally with the newly installed steering gearbox?

I know, a lot of questions, but the answers could help to diagnose the problem. To answer your question - yes, the steering gearbox could be at fault. The pressure hose flexing a lot indicates that the pump is performing as it should, but there is a blockage somewhere restricting the flow.

I wouldn't mess with the power steering pump anymore since the combined flow control / relief valve is a very sensitive component.

- John

 

[Mopower71]

Why did you replace the steering gearbox? Was the power steering pump quiet and operating normally before you replaced the steering gearbox?

When you installed the remanufactured steering gearbox, did you double check for any foreign material in the port connections. Is the brake booster functioning normally with the newly installed steering gearbox?

I know, a lot of questions, but the answers could help to diagnose the problem. To answer your question - yes, the steering gearbox could be at fault. The pressure hose flexing a lot indicates that the pump is performing as it should, but there is a blockage somewhere restricting the flow.

I wouldn't mess with the power steering pump anymore since the combined flow control / relief valve is a very sensitive component.

- John

Replaced the steering box to try and get the excessive slop out. It has New tie rods, track bar.
Yes before changing the box the ps worked ok.
For the most part the hydro boost ? Brake works fine. Once in a while I get a hard pedal.

 

[petersonj]

Is the pump reservoir full? Is the fluid aerated?

You are kind of in a quandary. It could be the pump, or the steering gearbox, or a blockage in the circuit somewhere. If you still have the old steering gearbox, you could switch it out and see if everything goes back to working again. A lot of work, but no cost and the test would be informative.

- John

 

[Mopower71]

Yes, the reservoir is full. The system is flushed well also. And the fluid is not aerated.
I changed the box back in October and the power never came back. I had thought to begin with that the screen In the pump had gotten plugged from me changing the box.
I guess I'll go crawl under the truck and pull the box out again.
Thanks John

 

[Mopower71]

And now my pitman arm puller won't fit behind it so I can get it off. Put a new one on because the old one was loose and just fell off the old box. Ugh. What a waste of a day.

 

[seafish]

And now my pitman arm puller won't fit behind it so I can get it off. .

Have you tried spraying some PB Blaster or Kroil, and then applying a little heat and using just a regular pry bar??

 

[Mopower71]

Have you tried spraying some PB Blaster or Kroil, and then applying a little heat and using just a regular pry bar??

Not yet. I just put this on in October , it shouldn't be this hard to get off. And, I can't find the old arm. I didn't think I threw it away yet, but I guess I did. Closest store with one in stock is 30 miles away.

 

[Mopower71]

Got the box off with the pitman arm attached. Beat on it, smashed my thumb
Got my pitman arm pulled under it finally and pulled it off. What should have taken an hour, I had everything else loose and disconnected, has taken all day.
Time for dinner and put the old box back. The bad thing is the new box was no tighter than the old one. When I changed it in October. The only thing I ended up with.... no power steering.
I need to get this truck all fixed up so I can pull the camper with it.

 

[Ozymandias]

Check if the in liner on the high pressure hose from the pump to the brake booster came lose and plugs the line.
To do so just disconnect the hose at the brake booster and check that there is nothing unusual to see.

 

[Mopower71]

Old box back on. Ps is better above idle. At idlebis a bit better. Wanders just like always. And now I found my track bar is loose . The tapered I hole that the track bar fits into on the frame I think has been opened up. I had to put washers under the nut when I put it on so it would pull up tight.ran out of threads to tighten it. Guess that didn't last.